Paingod And Other Delusions [Paperback]

Ellison broke into print back in 1956, and in the ten years that followed, he wrote an extraordinary number of short stories. Yet prolific as he was from the beginning, he didn't start to hit the level of quality we associate with his mature work until the late '50s. Even then, a number of his stories in speculative fiction would contain scenes, images, and ideas that no one else could handle in those days, only to be marred somewhat by immaturity. This shows up in a lot of the pulp-sf appurtenances that he loaded the earlier stories with in this book. Stories like "The Discarded" and to a lesser extent, "Deeper Than the Darkness" touch places in the psyche that evoke genuine pain--then jar us with risible notions of mutants and somewhat puerile descriptions intended to horrify and shock.

Later stories in this book, such as "Bright Eyes" (1964) and "Repent, Harlequin!..." (1965) are more accomplished and controlled in this regard. I can still read them with considerable pleasure. "Deeper Than the Darkness" has a lot that can be said for it, too, but one must look past some of the pulp-sf crudities that I alluded to above.

The title story, "Paingod," is an interesting attempt that I don't think comes off entirely. A pretty good read, nevertheless.

So you get the picture: the book is a mixed bag, but an interesting one. The stories are often moving, because Ellison felt strongly about the issues embodied, and communicated it effectively. And the book is historically interesting, because it points the way to his later fiction.

Is the book up to the level of quality to be found in his later books, such as _Shatterday_ or _Angry Candy_? No, but that doesn't make it bad. If memory serves, Ellison was 31 when _Paingod_ appeared. The late Theodore Sturgeon wrote an appreciative review at the time where he recognized Ellison's promise on the basis of this book. Neither Sturgeon's probity nor his perspicacity are in doubt because of it. :-)

All in all, the book is worth reading if you're an aficionado of speculative fiction. Ten years ago, I might have said that some of these stories had become dated in a bad way. The cycle of world events seems to have swung back around, and the stories seem (to use a very '60s word) _relevant_ again. :-]

This is a strong Ellison collection. Though I'm less impressed with the famous "Repent, Harlequin" than most, it's definitely one of his most celebrated stories. I myself am partial to "Sleeping Dogs," one of his best "hard" SF stories, the very strange "Bright Eyes," "Deeper Than the Darkness," the poignant "Discarded," the celebratory "Crackpots" and the title track, a clear statement of Ellison's pessimistic/romantic world view, elegantly stated even if I don't share Ellison's outlook.

Ellison, for the most part, has been out of print for the past twenty years, and that, in my opinion, is a bad thing. A very bad thing! During the 60s and 70s, he was not only the best writer of the New Wave of science-fiction, he was also the most original short story writer around. It can be said that he wrote like no one else. His style is vigorous, compelling and lucid. No one else can hold a candle to him. A prolific writer, he wrote something like 700 stories, starting from the 50s and continuing through to the early 80s. The stories in this collection are from the 60s, and what a wonderful collection it is too.

'"Repent, Harlequin" said the Tick Tock Man' is a story every bit as good as it's title - and I think that the title is a real peach. In about 3000 words he describes a dystopia where society is ruthlessly regimented by the clock. If you are five minutes late for an appointment, you lose five minutes off your life. The Tick Tock Man (or the Master Timekeeper, to call him by his official title) rules with a ruthless efficiency, and relentlessly tracks down the Harlequin, the ultimate non-conformist who refuses to be on time and who ingeniously disrupts the smooth running of this soulless society. If you have read 1984, you will know what happens- but there is a lovely twist at the end, which I won't spoil by giving away. The story may sound daft but it works and works beautifully. His imagination is unique. His aim is true. In Paingod, another classic, he tries to explain why there is so much pain in the world and why it is so necessary. There are other glories here: 'The Discarded', 'The Crackpots' and 'Deeper Than Darkness.' All worth your perusal. Each story is preceded by a short introduction that is as readable, entertaining and lively as the stories.

Ellison is a wonderful writer who doesn't deserve the neglect that has befallen him. Buy this book and maybe -yes, just maybe! - it will encourage some enterprising publisher to reprint such essential collections as Strange Wine, Deathbird Stories, Alone Against Tomorrow, and Approaching Oblivion. Why Ellison isn't one of the most popular men of American letters utterly baffles me. He is as good as the best and better than most.